reveal said:
Next time she goes out, have her carry a heavy duty walking stick, pepper stray and maybe a small pistol. No, I am not joking.
Well this was scary as hell
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Next time she goes out, have her carry a heavy duty walking stick, pepper stray and maybe a small pistol. No, I am not joking.
Rel
Liquid Awesome
reveal said:
I'm afraid I don't have any experience with them. But I did just want to post to say I'm sorry to hear about this and I'm glad your wife is ok, reveal. Having her avoid that neighborhood is definately a good idea but I think a call to the police wouldn't hurt. There might be some kids in that neighborhood and they'll be even less able to flee or protect themselves than your wife.
Thunderfoot
Hero
Dogs, IMO, make good targets for my bumper - glad your wife is doing ok, however, she might want to get a gun liscence and carry a .357 while walking. I find it a much better deterent than pepper spray - very effective. 
Warrior Poet
Explorer
It's tough dealing with dogs, especially more than one, because they can come at you from different sides simultaneously. I'm not an expert by any means, so you should definitely consult animal control/the local authorities by all means.
You can't outrun a dog (most dogs medium-sized or larger and in fair health). So, use several things to your advantage.
1) Size. You're probably bigger than the dog in stature, if not in weight. Hold your arms out, drape open your coat if you have one, anything to make yourself look bigger. This is a trick nature does all the time with feathers, fins, webbing, wattles, wings, fur, etc. Suddenly, what looks like it might have been a manageable size looks bigger. Dog has second thoughts. You hope. The only problem with this is, some breeds were specifically engineered to take down things that are much bigger (elk hounds, bull-baiting dogs, bear-baiting dogs, wolf-hounds etc.). Still, it can give the dog a moment to think.
2) Sound. Short, sharp, loud noises startle dogs and, if they have room to run, they may back off. Growl at the dog and let it know that you are aggressive and not happy. Some dogs may not want to fight something that fights back.
3) Arm yourself. A rock in the hand will give your punches more weight, and a stick can jab at eyes, throat, and belly, or be used to beat. I don't advocate violence against animals, but when it comes down to it, and the fighting starts, it's nature at its rawest form, and you better be willing to go all the way. Like Josey Wales says, "You got to get plum mad dog mean." No foolin'.
4) Position. Can you get to a height? If so, you have an advantage. If you climb a tree, you're cornered. Don't let the dogs corner you, they may never let you go (and as your wife noticed, motorists may not want to help, or stick around long). Try to find a place where they can't get at you from more than one side.
5) Preparedness. Always carry a cell phone and some form of chemical repellent. Learn how to use the repellent. Have it at the ready while walking. It doesn't do any good fumbling in your pocket while Fido is chomping. Be ready, though. Some chemicals just make animals angry. If you can wear protective clothing, the more layers you have, or thicker materials, will make it harder for dog teeth to find purchase. Nonetheless, dogs have very strong jaws (rottweilers probably exert huge amounts of pressure; I remember reading that gray wolves can exert 400 lbs. of pressure per square inch in their bite, and I wouldn't be surprised if many breeds of dogs are similarly strong; the Scottish terrier I grew up with could grip a rope and be lifted off the ground holding on only with her jaws; her bite was fierce)
6) Attitude. Get a mental attitude that's not letting the dogs show dominance. You can still be scared, but get mad, too. Show that you're aggressive with the noise I mentioned above, and by not running. Dogs are highly socialized to recognize pack dynamics, even if they've never had training. Dogs know when they see an alpha, and you have to show them you're the alpha, even if your mentally fleeing in terror. Look the dogs in the eye: for many humans, this is a challenge, but in the case of many dogs, it can mean you aren't gonna put up with their guff. If it comes down to a fight with the dog, hit it hard and fast and try to roll it over on its back, then hold it down and restrain across it's throat (in dominance establishment situations, many dogs will lock jaws over the throat of another dog, and a dog on its back shows submission). The dog may not stay down, but it may recognize that you're not a pushover, and try to get away. Dogs also tend to have highly developed senses of smell, and if you get your mad adrenaline working at least as hard as your fear adrenaline, you may begin producing pheromones that may say, "Get the hell away from me or you'll regret it," and the dog may react accordingly.
7) Awareness. Note the territory. Many dogs are o.k. with guarding their territory, and if you can leave (calmly, not running, which may invite pursuit) their territory (assuming it's obvious just what that territory is), they may back off. Keep your eyes on the dogs at all times. Know where your escape routes are, water sources, areas of high traffic, and dead ends are.
8) Tactics. If a fight starts, wound the dog severely. It's awful, but it has to be done. Eyes, throat, belly. Hitting a rottweiler anywhere other than a vulnerable throat or eyes is useless, as they're practically made of stone. Upend the dog and get it on its back as soon as possible (they fight better when all four legs are on the ground; don't give them that option).
9) Groups. Does your wife have someone she can train with? The bigger the pack, the less likely the dogs are to try anything.
10) Alternatives. Different route.
11) Civic action. Call the local authorities, even if your wife never walks that route again. They need to know that there are some bad dogs (or at least improperly leashed or contained dogs) around for the safety of others, including mail carriers, delivery people, local civic workers, area children, elderly, everyone.
Of course, none of this guarantees any certainty for protecting yourself or your wife or even success if the situation turns sour, as with animals, it's always unpredictable. I don't know if Kid Cthulhu drops by this section of the boards much, but I seem to recall her line of work involves serious dog training, and she probably has a lot better insights than mine.
Hope your wife is o.k. Take care.
Warrior Poet
You can't outrun a dog (most dogs medium-sized or larger and in fair health). So, use several things to your advantage.
1) Size. You're probably bigger than the dog in stature, if not in weight. Hold your arms out, drape open your coat if you have one, anything to make yourself look bigger. This is a trick nature does all the time with feathers, fins, webbing, wattles, wings, fur, etc. Suddenly, what looks like it might have been a manageable size looks bigger. Dog has second thoughts. You hope. The only problem with this is, some breeds were specifically engineered to take down things that are much bigger (elk hounds, bull-baiting dogs, bear-baiting dogs, wolf-hounds etc.). Still, it can give the dog a moment to think.
2) Sound. Short, sharp, loud noises startle dogs and, if they have room to run, they may back off. Growl at the dog and let it know that you are aggressive and not happy. Some dogs may not want to fight something that fights back.
3) Arm yourself. A rock in the hand will give your punches more weight, and a stick can jab at eyes, throat, and belly, or be used to beat. I don't advocate violence against animals, but when it comes down to it, and the fighting starts, it's nature at its rawest form, and you better be willing to go all the way. Like Josey Wales says, "You got to get plum mad dog mean." No foolin'.
4) Position. Can you get to a height? If so, you have an advantage. If you climb a tree, you're cornered. Don't let the dogs corner you, they may never let you go (and as your wife noticed, motorists may not want to help, or stick around long). Try to find a place where they can't get at you from more than one side.
5) Preparedness. Always carry a cell phone and some form of chemical repellent. Learn how to use the repellent. Have it at the ready while walking. It doesn't do any good fumbling in your pocket while Fido is chomping. Be ready, though. Some chemicals just make animals angry. If you can wear protective clothing, the more layers you have, or thicker materials, will make it harder for dog teeth to find purchase. Nonetheless, dogs have very strong jaws (rottweilers probably exert huge amounts of pressure; I remember reading that gray wolves can exert 400 lbs. of pressure per square inch in their bite, and I wouldn't be surprised if many breeds of dogs are similarly strong; the Scottish terrier I grew up with could grip a rope and be lifted off the ground holding on only with her jaws; her bite was fierce)
6) Attitude. Get a mental attitude that's not letting the dogs show dominance. You can still be scared, but get mad, too. Show that you're aggressive with the noise I mentioned above, and by not running. Dogs are highly socialized to recognize pack dynamics, even if they've never had training. Dogs know when they see an alpha, and you have to show them you're the alpha, even if your mentally fleeing in terror. Look the dogs in the eye: for many humans, this is a challenge, but in the case of many dogs, it can mean you aren't gonna put up with their guff. If it comes down to a fight with the dog, hit it hard and fast and try to roll it over on its back, then hold it down and restrain across it's throat (in dominance establishment situations, many dogs will lock jaws over the throat of another dog, and a dog on its back shows submission). The dog may not stay down, but it may recognize that you're not a pushover, and try to get away. Dogs also tend to have highly developed senses of smell, and if you get your mad adrenaline working at least as hard as your fear adrenaline, you may begin producing pheromones that may say, "Get the hell away from me or you'll regret it," and the dog may react accordingly.
7) Awareness. Note the territory. Many dogs are o.k. with guarding their territory, and if you can leave (calmly, not running, which may invite pursuit) their territory (assuming it's obvious just what that territory is), they may back off. Keep your eyes on the dogs at all times. Know where your escape routes are, water sources, areas of high traffic, and dead ends are.
8) Tactics. If a fight starts, wound the dog severely. It's awful, but it has to be done. Eyes, throat, belly. Hitting a rottweiler anywhere other than a vulnerable throat or eyes is useless, as they're practically made of stone. Upend the dog and get it on its back as soon as possible (they fight better when all four legs are on the ground; don't give them that option).
9) Groups. Does your wife have someone she can train with? The bigger the pack, the less likely the dogs are to try anything.
10) Alternatives. Different route.
11) Civic action. Call the local authorities, even if your wife never walks that route again. They need to know that there are some bad dogs (or at least improperly leashed or contained dogs) around for the safety of others, including mail carriers, delivery people, local civic workers, area children, elderly, everyone.
Of course, none of this guarantees any certainty for protecting yourself or your wife or even success if the situation turns sour, as with animals, it's always unpredictable. I don't know if Kid Cthulhu drops by this section of the boards much, but I seem to recall her line of work involves serious dog training, and she probably has a lot better insights than mine.
Hope your wife is o.k. Take care.
Warrior Poet
Vraille Darkfang
First Post
A bunch of disjointed thoughts.
1. Inform the police/animal control. Do this immediatly. Your wife got away. The next person might not be so lucky. (In the past few years several people have been mauled to death by packs of wild dogs, whom neighbors KNEW to be violent; a pre-emptive phone call can save a life).
2. Inform the Police/animal control. Loose dogs (no tags) are usually illegal. If it's a bad neighborhood a call about loose dogs can give the police liscene to look around & see what's going on. More than 1 meth lab has been brought down by it's 'guard dog'. Dogs running loose kill livestock, pose a threat to health & just generally suck.
3. Standing up to a Rotwieller can get you killed. They have a natural pack leader mentality & when in said pack will sometimes view a person barking/agressive (as others have posted here) a threat to its leadership & will attack to defend its posistion. If wild, if properly raised/trained it sees its owner as a the pack leader & even when in a pack it'll still back down to a person. The best way to deal with an agressive Rot is a shotgun.
4. Ultrasonic devices don't work all that well. Not every breed of dog has those super-sensitive ears (some dogs even have hearing loss). Some breeds run in fear, oterh just find it annoying. This also varies by manufacturer. If you want a US device, look research it. Your best bet is Pepper Spray/Mace combined with a US device.
5. Depending on where you live, a firearm is a possibility. Some states allow for concealed weapon permits. Areas outside city limts may even allow for the open carry of firearms (usually hunting areas during the hunting season). If you really want to go this route expect to lay out the cash. Guns/permits/training etc aren't cheap (quality guns can get very expensive). But, if you mess with guns, do it right please. Get trained on how to safely load/clean/shoot/store your gun. Those things can kill you. In fact that is what they are designed to do: kill living creatures.
1. Inform the police/animal control. Do this immediatly. Your wife got away. The next person might not be so lucky. (In the past few years several people have been mauled to death by packs of wild dogs, whom neighbors KNEW to be violent; a pre-emptive phone call can save a life).
2. Inform the Police/animal control. Loose dogs (no tags) are usually illegal. If it's a bad neighborhood a call about loose dogs can give the police liscene to look around & see what's going on. More than 1 meth lab has been brought down by it's 'guard dog'. Dogs running loose kill livestock, pose a threat to health & just generally suck.
3. Standing up to a Rotwieller can get you killed. They have a natural pack leader mentality & when in said pack will sometimes view a person barking/agressive (as others have posted here) a threat to its leadership & will attack to defend its posistion. If wild, if properly raised/trained it sees its owner as a the pack leader & even when in a pack it'll still back down to a person. The best way to deal with an agressive Rot is a shotgun.
4. Ultrasonic devices don't work all that well. Not every breed of dog has those super-sensitive ears (some dogs even have hearing loss). Some breeds run in fear, oterh just find it annoying. This also varies by manufacturer. If you want a US device, look research it. Your best bet is Pepper Spray/Mace combined with a US device.
5. Depending on where you live, a firearm is a possibility. Some states allow for concealed weapon permits. Areas outside city limts may even allow for the open carry of firearms (usually hunting areas during the hunting season). If you really want to go this route expect to lay out the cash. Guns/permits/training etc aren't cheap (quality guns can get very expensive). But, if you mess with guns, do it right please. Get trained on how to safely load/clean/shoot/store your gun. Those things can kill you. In fact that is what they are designed to do: kill living creatures.
Uzumaki
First Post
Heretic Apostate said:
Ack. Keep your cats inside, everyone. They're really not missing out on anything but cars, dogs, fleas, stupid people wanting to sacrifice them, and diseases spread by other animals. Get them some cat furniture and they'll be fine.
And, if you have a shotgun while a large dog is attacking you, clock the dog with the gun, and go shoot the owner.
![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
They are the guilty parties here; the dogs are just victims of poor training and socialization.
sniffles
First Post
I adore dogs, but if a dog tries to hurt me I'm going to hurt it back. Those who said your wife should contact animal control authorities are correct. Someone should take the owners to task for allowing their dogs to run loose. What if your wife had been a child or an elderly person?
Vraille Darkfang
First Post
Uzumaki said:
Please!
Unless you live on a farm & the cat's primary purpose is to catch mice, KEEP IT INSIDE.
The domestic cat is one of the most bloodthirsty creatures on the planet. They are one a the few animals that kill just for the fun of it. It's been shown that house cats can kill up to 10,000 songbirds each year. Animal planet even had a show on it (Top 10 something). And the show about violent animals, ye little kitty cat beat out sharks, lions, bears, and every other critter on the planet for killing instinct per pound.
I have a bunch of bird feeders in my yard & I'm engaging in a battle to prevent it from becoming an all you can eat bird buffet. I'm about to the point where the live bait traps go out & the kitties take a trip to the animal shelter.
It might have to do with cats CHOOSING to be domesticated (and are still only kinda domesticated), but a house cat that never goes outdoors is just as happy as the outdoor cat, only safer & healthier, and the local wildlife population rests a bit easier.
The only dog I've been attacked by was Pomerainian. All those stop/yell at it tips didn't work. Thus when it attacked me, I punted it over a fence.
If your wife decides to go the spray route my advice would be to buy a few extra cans and make sure she can use it properly and to be up wind when spraying it (i know sounds obvious but you would be suprised how many ppl actually nail themselves and not the bad guy/thing) and then when she is comfortable about how to use it have her place it where she would have it when walking, then have her get it out and spray it as quickly as possible. Also, prepared for the after effects of the mace because you will most likely recieve some form of dose from it.
The main thing is to keep a level head, don't run, do try to calmly leave the area, acting aggressive towards an unknown animal is usually a bad idea especially if the animal thinks it is donminate, keeping yourself a non threat is usually the best course of action. Watch for signs of aggressive behavior from the animals that can tell you the difference between an attack and let's play. Every situation is different. I have personally had both the "I am gonna kick your a$$ dog" and the "Ok i am not gonna hurt you just let me leave" approaches work. BTW most dogs consider not only their yard and sidewalk theirs but also part of the street.
Gil
The main thing is to keep a level head, don't run, do try to calmly leave the area, acting aggressive towards an unknown animal is usually a bad idea especially if the animal thinks it is donminate, keeping yourself a non threat is usually the best course of action. Watch for signs of aggressive behavior from the animals that can tell you the difference between an attack and let's play. Every situation is different. I have personally had both the "I am gonna kick your a$$ dog" and the "Ok i am not gonna hurt you just let me leave" approaches work. BTW most dogs consider not only their yard and sidewalk theirs but also part of the street.
Gil
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